As the voice of Ontario’s Registered Practical Nurses, WeRPN showcases the critical role that RPNs play in Ontario’s health care system. We establish strong relationships with government and key decision makers to make sure the perspectives and concerns of RPNs on key professional practice and health policy issues are heard.
WeRPN is a recognized leader in professional practice. We advocate on behalf of RPNs through our membership on a wide range of Boards, Committees and Groups. Some of these groups include:
Joint Provincial Nursing Committee
Nurses Health Program Board of Directors
Numerous Provincial Advisory Committees for College PN Programs
Our recent collaborations have included:
• Active engagement in the Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of Residents in the Long Term Care Homes System
• Advising the College of Nurses of Ontario on Entry to Practice Competencies for RPNs
• Supporting the development of the new provincial Palliative Care Competencies by the Ontario Palliative Care Network
• Providing feedback to the Canadian Gerontological Nurses Association on the draft standards for Gerontological nursing
• Advising the Ontario Association of Public Health Leaders regarding the role of the RPN in public health
• Recommending RPNs to provide subject matter expertise for the development of CNA’s gerontology certification exam
• Participating in the Canadian Nurses’ Association’s collaborative stakeholder round table discussions on intra-professional collaboration
We are advocating for a better health system.
WeRPN engages directly with elected officials and key decision-makers to make sure the voice and concerns of RPNs are heard. This includes championing government to address fair remuneration, standardized workloads, and invest in education.
Policy Issues
WeRPN showcases the critical role that RPNs play in Ontario’s health care system. Our team has developed a series of resources on key professional practice and health policy issues.
While the number of RPNs in Ontario continues to grow each year, our province is currently experiencing a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs). Now is the time to expand opportunities for nurses to career ladder to RN.
If we want to continue to build a 21st-century health system, government needs to work with health stakeholders toward a comprehensive and integrated health human resources strategy.